Sport: Overcoming Obstacles

In one of my more adventurous moods, I enthusiastically signed the kids up for the Junior version of the Spartan Race — an international obstacle course challenge held for the first time in Malaysia.

The promo ads and Youtube vids promised mud and dirt and more mud.

The kiddos took a look at the vids and didn't object violently, so we were set. The biggest issue was trying to decide which shoes to wear!

The 3 older ones were running in 3 different non-competitive races, based on age group.

We were told to arrive at least 1.5 hours before our race. We parked at Setia City Mall on Saturday morning and walked to the transport hub to catch a shuttle bus to the race venue. It was a long line, but also a good place to meet some familiar faces. The organisers arranged for the children to get on the bus first, so our wait was much shorter.

Upon arrival, we made our way up a muddy track to the registration booths, where we signed in and received the numbered headbands and t-shirts. We were greeted by long lines of mud-covered guys queuing for the showers!

The younger kids went first, and parents were allowed to accompany them, so I went in my Croc sandals (which got stuck in the mud at the first obstacle) and camera. Am proud to say that Baby Boy managed the obstacles comfortably without needing much assistance.

A series of obstacles on the course

Go under ...

and over ...

and in between

Big Boy did his round comfortably too with his friends. His was a longer trail from the younger kids.

Girl had to do two laps of the long trail, about 2km. She says that she's convinced the second round was extra long!

All the kids received their medals and goodie bags. 

Finishers medal

Good job, kiddos!

So glad the haze cleared up, even though it did get a little hot. It was a great experience, and was so glad the kiddos were game for it.

Although they were nowhere as muddy as the adults in their grueling 1 1/2-hour challenge ... seems like some people do enjoy punishing themselves! :-p

Higher, heavier and harder challenges

A lot muddier, too

The organisers and volunteers did a pretty good job especially with so many participants. The host for the Junior racers could be a bit more enthusiastic and energetic to get the kids excited. And a few more chairs and places for parents to rest would have been nice. But otherwise, few complaints on our end.